Almost 160 hectares of new nature conservation areas in Lapland – Includes an exceptionally large Helmi site
Davvi Metsä Oy has established three nature conservation areas in Lapland. The largest of them is the 100-hectare Ruopsanaava in Kemijärvi. Together with the sites in Sodankylä and Salla, the total protected area covers more than 160 hectares.
The northern forest natural capital company, Davvi Metsä, has agreed with the Lapland ELY Centre on the establishment of private nature conservation areas in Kemijärvi and Sodankylä. In addition, Davvi Metsä and the municipality of Salla have agreed to protect the area around the natural Kaippahanoja waterfall. The municipality has the right to build outdoor trails and related structures in the area.
“With these new conservation areas, we are safeguarding and enhancing conditions for biodiversity. The protection of the Salla site also enables the development of the area for outdoor activities and tourism. With these conservation sites, the total area of Davvi Metsä’s protected lands increases significantly,” says Antti Hiltunen, land management specialist at Davvi Metsä.
All newly protected areas will remain open for hiking, mushroom and berry picking, reindeer herding, and, with the appropriate permits, also hunting. However, due to the protection status, forestry activities such as logging, and the construction of permanent roads are prohibited.
Valuable mire nature in Kemijärvi and Sodankylä
The approximately 100-hectare Ruopsanaava nature conservation area in Kemijärvi has been accepted into the Helmi programme, which aims to protect and restore mire ecosystems.
“The proportion of the Ruopsanaava nature conservation area within the entire area outlined in the supplementary mire conversation plan is significant. This conservation decision also lays a solid foundation for the protection of other areas included in the proposal,” says Juha Kangas from the Lapland ELY Centre.
The approximately 47-hectare Joutsenpesäaava nature conservation area, located in Männistö, Sodankylä, is part of the broader Luosto region, which includes nearly all mire types found in Peräpohjola. The conservation area is designated in the regional plan and is included in the national mire protection program.
Beautiful waterfall – a unique site in Salla’s recreation area
The establishment of a private nature reserve, approximately 9.5 hectares in size, in Salla is based on an agreement between Davvi Metsä and the municipality of Salla. The area borders Salla National Park, thereby complementing the overall conservation efforts of the national park. Flowing through the area, the naturally preserved Kaippahanoja waterfall stands about three metres high.
“The conservation decision ensures that forestry activities will not be carried out in this area connected to the national park in the future. In addition to protection, we aim to enhance the recreational and outdoor use of the area. The waterfall is a beautiful site that attracts both locals and tourists,” says Erkki Parkkinen, the mayor of Salla.
Further information and interviews:
Antti Hiltunen
Land Management Specialist, Davvi Metsä Oy
+358 50 449 1018
antti.hiltunen@metsagroup.com
Erkki Parkkinen
Mayor, Municipality of Salla
+358 400 393 987
erkki.parkkinen@salla.fi
Juha Kangas
Special Planner, Lapland ELY centre
+358 29 503 7444
juha.kangas@ely-keskus.fi
Davvi Metsä Oy, a nature capital company, owns nearly 40,000 hectares of sustainably managed and well-growing northern forests. Through responsible and profitable forestry practices, we produce high-quality wood raw materials. Additionally, we create opportunities for green transition projects looking towards the future, as well as for diverse recreational use of forest nature. Davvi Metsä is owned by Dasos Capital’s forest funds.
